I just got a NEX-5N and it's made in Thailand too. Did Sony switch to Thailand because of the Japan problem (radiation)? Or are they cheaping out on us?

It matters to me if an item is made in China/Thailand or Japan. Japan is known for it's very high quality electronics and lenses, China and Thailand are known for cheap- poor quality.

Blimey, you must have had your head buried somewhere to still be thinking like that. Nikon has been producing high quality cameras in Thailand for a number of years. You must know that the Japanese have been off-shoring for decades to lower production costs not to lower standards. Thats why these companies set Quality Control standards.

If you ever visit Thailand and their production facilities you will understand the pride in which the workers take in their jobs...probably one of the reasons why western manufacture has been left decimated. When I'm in Thailand I'm always astounded at how important education is to the families, again there's pride in going to school, children from wealthy and poorer families mix in schools wearing the cleanest and neatest of uniforms. The way they return home and sit down to study, and do homework, something I don't think I see here in the UK.

I've been going to Thailand a lot to visit family, and whilst I know places aren't perfect, (witness the recent Red/Yellow shirt political troubles), sweeping statements that they're known for poor quality products I think is simply wrong, you conveniently overlook or don't register, the quality products produced in these places.

Sure there's a lot of cheap fake stuff produced there, it's free enterprise and opportunism, unrestrained capitalism! I think the days of 'made in' prejudice should be coming to an end...what next...when Canonikon open in other developing areas, are we going to say the same thing about a camera made in say..Abuja, when it has a Nikon or Sony label?

As for quality products out of Japan, I own an SD10, and SD14, and they must have had a QC bypass...the cameras are crude and the firmware crashes, they have internal dust and shedding shutters that drop debris and grease on the sensor....power problems...according to Sigma...what power drain problems...locking up...etc etc... sweeping statements about places and QC are nonsense IMO, crap's produced all over the world, as are some of the top products!

This wasn't meant as a post to imply that 'Made in Thailand' isn't as good as 'Made in Japan'.

I was just reading an article about how more Japanese firms are using factories outside of asia for various reasons (economies of scale, close to key customers etc) and was curious if this was also the case for the 'flagship' NEX7.

For what its worth, my NEX5 has been working pretty well so I have no issues with Made in Thailand. But its interesting to know that the factory in Thailand is so advanced.

How many Chinese zeiss lenses do they sell ? Or Cuban Made Porches? I always buy want I want and you can ask any question you want without the thought police attacking you.
--
SHOOT TO THRILL: MAC WEST NYC

But the Sony (and Nikon) cameras, Hitachi hard drives, are made for international consumption. The
Quality
(ie: quality control) is a function of the company (Hitachi/Nikon/Sony),
NOT
the location of manufacture.

Bear in mind that the reputation of the company hinges on the quality of their products. Do you think Hitachi, Nikon or Sony would put their international reputation at stake by allowing QC to be less than the standards they have set for the product - regardless of where it is manufactured?

The primary reason for the shift to China or Thailand is the low cost of labor. However Sony corporation is responsible for the implementation of all quality control.

-- hide signature --

The greatest of mankind's criminals are those who delude themselves into thinking they have done 'the right thing.'

When I'm in Thailand I'm always astounded at how important education is to the families, again there's pride in going to school, children from wealthy and poorer families mix in schools wearing the cleanest and neatest of uniforms. The way they return home and sit down to study, and do homework, something I don't think I see here in the UK.

You definately need to do a little indepth research into the Thai educational system. It is abysmal, probably one of the worst in Asia. And the rich and poor absolutely
DO NOT
mix together. Thailand is a
very
stratified society, and a very very patriachal system at that.

Thailand is corrupt to the core, and the educational system is no less corrupt. The rich do not go to school, they simply buy their diplomas and degrees.

Next time you are in Thailand, open your eyes.

I write this from my condo on Asoke. I live here, I know what I am talking about.

-- hide signature --

The greatest of mankind's criminals are those who delude themselves into thinking they have done 'the right thing.'

When I'm in Thailand I'm always astounded at how important education is to the families, again there's pride in going to school, children from wealthy and poorer families mix in schools wearing the cleanest and neatest of uniforms. The way they return home and sit down to study, and do homework, something I don't think I see here in the UK.

You definately need to do a little indepth research into the Thai educational system. It is abysmal, probably one of the worst in Asia. And the rich and poor absolutely
DO NOT
mix together. Thailand is a
very
stratified society, and a very very patriachal system at that.

Thailand is corrupt to the core, and the educational system is no less corrupt. The rich do not go to school, they simply buy their diplomas and degrees.

Next time you are in Thailand, open your eyes.

I write this from my condo on Asoke. I live here, I know what I am talking about.

-- hide signature --

The greatest of mankind's criminals are those who delude themselves into thinking they have done 'the right thing.'

I just got a NEX-5N and it's made in Thailand too. Did Sony switch to Thailand because of the Japan problem (radiation)? Or are they cheaping out on us?

It matters to me if an item is made in China/Thailand or Japan. Japan is known for it's very high quality electronics and lenses, China and Thailand are known for cheap- poor quality.

Rubbish. Thailand makes a wide range of products from high quality to less so. They have done this for years. Nothing wrong with the quality of Honda cars for example. In terms of quality control, which would you rather buy, a Honda or a car off a USA assembly line? And I don't mean this to be direspectful of the USA either. Thailand has had a sophisticated optical industry for years. It's one of the best place s to buy spectacles for example. You would be amazed at the number of high end brands that are actually manufactured in Thailand and this happens across all kinds of products. Check where Timberland gets made (but you rarely see this brand on sale in Thailand).

And I did note Rawfed that you live in Thailand. For over twenty years my wife (who speaks Thai) and I have been travelling regularly to Thailand on business. We have many friends there in all kinds of areas of Thai life. I agree with some of your comments on corruption, but that has nothing to do with quality control at camera production lines.
--
Mike Fewster
Adelaide Australia

And what is the problem? A Japanese car made in China or India may be better quality than some in Detroit. Apple produce their computer in China not because it is cheaper but because they can meet the demand of quantity and quality. It is made by SONY, not by where they located. Although in this case, I think SONY today does not represent best design and quyality, but I use NEX-5 and will get the NEX-7. SONY is not good enough but there are something out there worse.

Latest in-depth reviews

The Fujifilm X-H1 is a top-of-the-range 24MP mirrorless camera with in-body stabilization and the company's most advanced array of video capabilities. We've tested the X-T2's big brother extensively to see how it performs.

Panasonic's Lumix DC-GX9 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that offers quite a few upgrades over its predecessor, with a lower price tag to boot. We've spent the weekend with the GX9 and have plenty of thoughts to share, along with an initial set of sample photos.

Panasonic's new premium compact boasts a 24-360mm equiv. F3.3-6.4 zoom lens, making it the longest reaching 1"-type pocket camera on the market. We spent a little time with it; read our first impressions.

Latest buying guides

Quick. Unpredictable. Unwilling to sit still. Kids really are the ultimate test for a camera's autofocus system. We've compiled a short list of what we think are the best options for parents trying to keep up with young kids, and narrowed it down to one best all-rounder.

Landscape photography isn't as simple as just showing up in front of a beautiful view and taking a couple of pictures. Landscape shooters have a unique set of needs and requirements for their gear, and we've selected some of our favorites in this buying guide.

If you're a serious enthusiast or working pro, the very best digital cameras on the market will cost you at least $2000. That's a lot of money, but generally speaking these cameras offer the highest resolution, the best build quality and the most advanced video specs out there, as well as fast burst rates and top-notch autofocus.

Are you a speed freak? Hungry to photograph anything that goes zoom? Or perhaps you just want to get Sports Illustrated level shots of your child's soccer game. Keep reading to find out which cameras we think are best for sports and action shooting.